Whether you're upgrading to a newer, faster desktop, or making a full switch to the mobile computing era, you need to be careful about what you throw away. Although devices are being built in ways that support a more sustainable environment, there are still a few toxic substances or mined materials that would cause harm if recycling didn't reduce the need to mine. To avoid electronic waste fines while making some money back on your investment, here are a few electronics recycling points:
Computer Case Recycling
Desktop computers have a protective case that is usually made out of aluminum, although some heavy duty field use or industrial computers may use steel cases. Although many desktops have plastic shells for aesthetic appeal, the underlying framework is still made of metal.
The easiest way to store cases is to remove the components inside without trying to break away any of the struts and beams. Computer cases stack well horizontally or vertically, but if you need to break down the framework for melting, just make sure to have a screwdriver and/or rivet remover ready to dismantle the joining points that aren't meant to come apart.
Heat Sink Recycling
The core components of the computer can be found attached to the motherboard, and the heat sink usually stands out from everything else. It may have a fan on top to help with air circulation but look for an aluminum or copper block with fins.
Aluminum is the usual heat sink material, but copper is often used in high-performance systems used for gaming or graphic design. The heat sinks are usually firmly attached to the processor due to the thermal paste drying and binding like cement, which may require careful chipping with a prying tool and thermal paste removal liquid.
If you plan on recovering the processor to use with another computer, don't jab too violently with screwdrivers or pry tools. If the processor isn't a big concern, it's easier to use a wide, thin screwdriver and a mallet to carefully tap away at the center of the thermal paste gap.
Power Supply Recycling
The power supply has a few worthwhile components inside, such as an aluminum, copper, and proprietary mineral core with copper bands wrapped around the core material. Unfortunately, there are some risks associated with power supply recovery.
Power supplies can hold a latent electrical charge that can cause serious injury if you tamper with the insides of the unit. Be sure to research a discharge guide and work under the guidance of a certified electrician, or just let the electrician handle the discharging.
Aside from the core, the power supply, there may be an aluminum heat sink and some aluminum support struts. The case of the power supply is usually made of aluminum and may be painted.
Contact an electronics recycling professional to figure out which components and materials have decent demand in today's recycling market.
Share2 September 2017
Recycling goes well beyond tossing your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in bins separate from your un-recyclable trash. Every little bit counts when it comes to recycling. Maybe it is time for you to consider going beyond traditional recycling in your home. You can take things that would otherwise end up in salvage yards or landfills and make something truly spectacular out of them. My site is filled with great ideas for using your "trash" to create things like wall art, furniture, children's entertainment items, and much, much more. You can save money on things that you would otherwise have to buy and have fun creating your own stuff out of recyclable materials.
